Ok so i was looking to buy a 1999 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro. Drove fine, rust wise there was only a small patch left side back wheel just surface. Now i noticed it had its ABS, Air Bag & Check engine light stay on while driving it passed inspection last oct & has 170,xxx. Cant get it checked out by a mechanic for like a week because every place seems to be booked up. So with those lights on & little info giving whats your guys take on it? how bad of shape could it be in?

Thanks in advance.

 

Manual or auto?
Any records on services? That's probably the biggest one... If they kept the car up to date (all the way until the current mileage), it's worth a couple grand. If they don't have any records of routine maintenance, ditch it. A CEL here or there shouldn't necessarily throw you completely, but keep in mind some things are harder to do than others

 

Automatic with that slap stick shift kind of thing without clutch, Can't think of the real name. I never asked about how often they kept up with it because they had a recent receipts for 2 Oil changes, a Transmission fluid change bearing & control arm replacement within the past few months. But says she has receipts for all the work done in the past 2 1/2 years. Shes only looking for a couple grand but id hate to get myself into a hole as its the first time Ive ever been in a car with all 3 lights on at once! Thanks again!

 

If you're nervous or unsure, I'd pass and wait for something better to come along. Even if the known issues are an easy fix, god knows what's just about to break on the car. If the tranny goes out in 3 months, you may as well put a brick on the gas and send her over a cliff.
If you've spent a lot of time with Audi's (or at least german cars), and have a ton of tools, I'd say take a risk and live a little. You'll definitely have to spend some time under it in the coming months/years. If you're at all concerned, I'd say pass. It's not worth the risk.

 

ABS is probably just a sensor, but could be the module. Airbag and CEL are up in the air as to why those are on.

Unless you are handy and/or willing to learn about Audi's, I'd pass. Sounds like it has been taken car of, so it would be a good candidate if you don't mind fixing a couple issues.

 

Absolutely not, if you knew what the engine lights were on for then it would be a different story but otherwise no way.